According to a recent air quality advisory issued by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), smoke from multiple wildfires in northern California is predicted to reach the North Bay this afternoon. 

The advisory, published on August 20th, 2023, highlights that the wind patterns will help keep the smoke away from the Bay Area throughout most of the day; nonetheless, it will begin impacting the North Bay area by late afternoon. Consequently, the air quality is anticipated to reach low-Moderate on the U.S. EPA's Air Quality Index. While smoky, hazy skies may be visible in the North Bay area and the smell of smoke is possible at higher elevations, pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard. As such, no Spare the Air Alert has been issued at this time. The Air District will closely monitor air quality throughout the region for potential smoke impacts from fires. 

BAAQMD suggests staying indoors with windows and doors closed when the smell of smoke is present while temperature permits, setting air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from entering, and keeping a close eye on real-time air quality readings through baaqmd.gov/highs.

Uncontrolled wildfires are known to have significant health impacts, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as elderly persons, children, and those suffering from respiratory illnesses like asthma, emphysema, or COPD. The presence of elevated particulate matter in the air can act as a trigger for wheezing in individuals with such conditions. Smoke can also potentially cause irritation in the eyes and airways, leading to coughing, a scratchy throat, and irritated sinuses.